Car Air Conditioning in Modbury

Modbury is a small South Hams market town on the A379, with narrow streets, steep approaches and rural lanes in every direction. Hot weather behind a slow tractor or a summer queue brings out cooling weakness, and damp winter mornings show up heaters that are not up to the job.

At Automaster, near Totnes, we service and repair air conditioning and heating on petrol and diesel cars and vans. The questions below are those we hear from drivers like you.

My air con is not cold in Modbury traffic: what should I check?

Start with how the problem behaves. Cold on the move but warm in queues suggests a fan or condenser problem. Warm at all times suggests lost gas or compressor failure.

Smells and noises add clues. A pollen filter that is overdue often explains weak flow and a stale smell.

Do not forget the simple things. A blocked pollen filter, a fan that does not run or a heater control that is stuck on hot can all feel like a failed system when the cause is minor.

What does an air con service involve?

The refrigerant is recovered, the system tested for leaks and pressure, and the correct charge and oil put back in. Where a leak shows up, repair comes before refilling.

How long the job takes and what it costs follows the car and the fault, so we prefer to quote once we know the details.

Tell us about any previous air-con work, as that helps us see whether a part has been replaced recently.

• Pressure test
• Leak search
• Correct charge and oil

Why will a leaking system not hold a re-gas?

Because the gas leaves through the same hole. People are often surprised that the air con works for a few weeks and then fades again. The fix is to find and repair the leak first.

Regular use of the system keeps seals supple and lowers the risk.

A system that fades after a re-gas is a strong sign of a slow leak somewhere in the pipework, seals or condenser.

Heater and blower faults on lanes and hills

Steep approaches and lanes mean engine temperature is worth watching. Heating faults such as no heat, a failed blower, a thermostat problem or low coolant are all in our remit.

If your car overheats, stop and switch off. Pressing on risks serious engine damage.

Weak heat on a cold start, a heater that works only when revving, or windows that fog and will not clear all deserve a look. They can be low coolant, a thermostat, an air lock or a blocked heater matrix.

Do you cover Modbury, and what should I tell you?

Yes. Drivers from Modbury, Ermington, Ivybridge, Kingston and Kingsbridge bring cars to our garage at Longcombe Cross near Totnes.

Tell us the make, model and year, the symptoms, and when they began. Then ask for a quote and we will take it from there.

Let us know whether you have noticed smells or odd noises, and whether it is a petrol or a diesel model.